Top 12 2018 Final Series Key Players

With the 2018 finals series finally upon us it is time for the big match players to stand and deliver. These 12 players will be instrumental in shaping the finals and delivering their team a premiership. Sam Burgess Recently re-signed Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess will be hoping to lead his team deep into the finals. Burgess was a huge part of the Rabbitohs success in 2014, and if he can repeat his heroics, South Sydney will be a major threat. [caption id="attachment_35526" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs looks on during the round 13 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla Sharks at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Tyson Frizell For the Dragons to have any hope of success in the finals series they will need a huge performance from their forward pack. With Paul Vaughan injured for the remainder of 2018, Tyson Frizell will have to inspire his side. The powerful forward is capable of huge runs and will his leadership will be required. [caption id="attachment_36394" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Tyson Frizell of the Dragons runs the ball during the round 18 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at UOW Jubilee Oval on July 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] Corey Oates Coming off a four-try performance against the Sea Eagles, Corey Oates has reminded the competition what a huge threat he is. The hulking winger has been unstoppable with the ball in hand and is a constant threat. Opposing teams must figure out a way to stop Oates or they will have a tough time beating the Broncos. [caption id="attachment_35742" align="alignnone" width="594"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Corey Oates of the Broncos scores a try during the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] James Tedesco After an excellent State of Origin series, James Tedesco will be looking to end the year with a number of strong performances in finals games. On his day, Tedesco can be huge in both attack and defence which allows him to completely change a match. [caption id="attachment_34930" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: James Tedesco of the Roosters uns as the ball as Isaah Yeo of the Panthers looks to tackle during the round 15 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)[/caption] Nathan Cleary The 2018 finals will provide Nathan Cleary with a huge opportunity to show the NRL community that he is a top level halfback. The Panthers have been struggling in recent weeks and Cleary will be the player the team looks to in order to return to their winning ways. [caption id="attachment_35173" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers is tackled during the round 20 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Penrith Panthers at Lottoland on July 28, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)[/caption] Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has hit top gear heading into the finals series, with incredible performances each week. The powerful fullback recently ran for more than 300 metres in a single game, showing that he is ready and willing to take his team as far into the competition as he can. [caption id="attachment_33440" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 12: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Warriors in action during the round 10 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Cameron Smith Cameron Smith is very experienced with finals football, and will be looking to guide his team to back-to-back premierships. As the Storm are not settled on a main halfback yet, Smith will need to stand up and manage the game for his team. Without his influence the Storm could certainly struggle in the finals. [caption id="attachment_34542" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Cameron Smith of the Storm calls out instructions to his players during the round seven NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on April 20, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Blake Green Blake Green has been one of the best buys of the season, providing the Warriors with some much needed stability. Green’s style of play has allowed his more flamboyant teammates to flourish as he manages games and provides consistency. The Warriors will rely on Green’s influence to take them into the last game of the year. [caption id="attachment_32349" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 17: Blake Green of the Warriors looks on during the round two NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans at Mt Smart Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Cooper Cronk Cooper Cronk won the competition with the Storm last year and will be hoping to do it again with the Roosters in 2018. The veteran halfback is the complete package, and his influence on his team is massive. Cronk keeps a cool head in pressure moments which makes him invaluable in high pressure matches like finals. [caption id="attachment_34189" align="alignnone" width="696"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Cooper Cronk of the Roosters during the round 14 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 9, 2018 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Valentine Holmes Valentine Holmes is having his best season to date, and has been lethal at fullback for the Sharks. If Holmes isn’t scoring tries for fun he is setting them up, and it is clear opposing sides have no way to stop the carnage he creates. Sharks fans will be hoping that Holmes can continue his run of good form in the finals and take them all the way. [caption id="attachment_33614" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Valentine Holmes of the Sharks runs the ball during the round four NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at Southern Cross Group Stadium on March 30, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Damien Cook Damien Cook has been one of the very best players in 2018 and will be the Rabbitohs' key team member in the finals. Cook’s dynamic attacking play has proven extremely difficult for sides to counter, and will likely cause problems in the finals. [caption id="attachment_35338" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Damien Cook of the Rabbitohs breaks away to score a try during the round 21 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on August 3, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Billy Slater Billy Slater is one of the most prolific try scorers in finals football and has been in great form in 2018. Slater was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2017 Grand Final and would love to claim the award for a second straight year. Slater has everything to play for in what will be his final NRL games. [caption id="attachment_36201" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Billy Slater of the Storm passes during the round 21 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on August 3, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	NZW	2	2	0	4	58
2	CAN	1	1	0	4	1
3	MEL	1	1	0	2	48
4	CRO	1	1	0	2	40
5	PEN	1	1	0	2	26
6	NEW	1	1	0	2	10
7	SOU	2	1	1	2	2
8	WST	0	0	0	2	0

Top 12 2018 Final Series Key Players

Billy Slater

JOIN THE DISCUSSION Cancel reply

Latest News

FULL TIME: Roosters vs Rabbitohs – Round 2, 2026

FULL TIME: Warriors vs Raiders – Round 2, 2026

Updated Team Lists: Panthers vs Sharks – Round 2, 2026

FINAL TEAMS: Roosters vs Rabbitohs – Round 2, 2026

Warriors star suffers injury in warm-up

FOLLOW US